Strawberry plant designated ‘BG269’

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct winter planted short-day variety of strawberry known as ‘BG-269’. This new variety is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the southern coast of California. It is particularly characterized by its strong vigorous plant with high yields, large berry size and fruit and flowers visible above the plant throughout much of the season. The fruit is dark in color with acceptable flavor, good juiciness and moderately firm texture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct short-day strawberryvariety designated as ‘BG-269’. This new variety is a result of acontrolled cross of ‘PS-592’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,903) and ‘Carlsbad’(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,660). The variety is botanically known asFragaria ananassa.

In comparison to the parental cultivar ‘Carlsbad’, ‘BG-269’ fruit issmaller in size, darker in color, and has a higher overall fruit yield.In comparison to parental cultivar ‘PS-592’, ‘BG-269’ fruit is larger insize, darker in color, and has a higher overall fruit yield. Thesecomparisons are made in a side by side trial grown in Oxnard, Calif.

The seedling resulting from the aforementioned cross was asexuallypropagated by stolons in a nursery located in Lassen County, Calif., andwas subsequently selected from a controlled breeding plot near Oxnard,Calif. in 1996. After its selection, the new variety was furtherasexually propagated in both Lassen County, Calif. and Siskiyou County,Calif. by stolons and extensively tested over the next several years infruiting fields near Oxnard, Calif. This propagation has demonstratedthat the combination of traits disclosed herein as characterizing thenew variety are fixed and remain true to type through successivegenerations of asexual reproduction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying color photographs show typical specimens of the newvariety at various stages of development as nearly true as it ispossible to make in color reproductions:

Photograph 1 shows a close-up view of typical field fruitingcharacteristics in mid-April 1999.

Photograph 2 shows a close-up view of fruit harvested in mid-April 1999and packed in a standard twelve dry pint crate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

‘BG-269’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions ofthe southern coast of California. This region provides the necessarywinter temperatures required for it to produce a strong vigorous plantand to remain in fruit production from January through June. The nearbyPacific Ocean provides the needed humidity and moderate temperatures tomaintain fruit quality during the winter and spring production months.The following list of traits in combination define ‘BG-269’ as a uniquevariety distinguishing it from the most widely grown commercial varietyin the region, ‘Camarosa’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,708).

‘BG-269’ is a large vigorous plant. When provided with optimum chillingin the nursery propagation fields prior to being dug and subsequentlyartifically cold stored prior to being planted, the plant of the newvariety is larger and more vigorous than ‘Camarosa’. The plant ‘BG-269’is also denser and more upright in growth habit than ‘Camarosa’. Thefoliage of ‘BG-269’ is slightly darker in color and overall larger insize than the foliage of ‘Camarosa’. The upper leaf surface colorationof ‘BG-269’ is 7.5 GY 3/4 to 7.5 GY 3/6, and the lower surface isnearest to 7.5 GY 5/4 to 7.5 GY 6/4 (Munsell color). The terminalleaflet of ‘BG-269’ is longer than broad to much longer than broad ascompared to ‘Camarosa’ which is longer than broad. ‘BG-269’ has mediumto strong leaf blistering while ‘Camarosa’ has medium leaf blistering.Petioles of ‘BG-269’ are longer in length and larger in diameter with alonger periolule than the petioles of ‘Camarosa’. Table 4 illustratesfoliage characteristics of ‘BG-269’ and ‘Camarosa’.

‘BG-269’ is capable of long season fruit production with fruit ofexcellent size and good quality during the entire season when providedwith optimum chilling in the nursery propagation fields and artificiallycold stored prior to being planted. Fruit production begins inmid-January, 1 to 2 weeks later than ‘Camarosa’ and may continuecropping into June. ‘BG-269’ typically produces fewer runners per plant,a much larger season average berry size, and total yields exceeding‘Camarosa’ (Table 1). The fruit of ‘BG-269’ is smoother with fewerlongitudinal creases and better overall appearance and gloss than thefruit of ‘Camarosa’. The fruit of ‘BG-269’ has a much darker skin colorthan the fruit of ‘Camarosa’. The flesh of the fruit of ‘BG-269’ ismoderately firm while the flesh of the fruit of ‘Camarosa’ is extremelyfirm. See Table 3 for fruit quality performance ratings. The seeds of‘BG-269’ are held even with the surface of the fruit in contrast to‘Camarosa’ which tends to have its seeds positioned slightly below thesurface. ‘BG-269’ has an absent band without achenes under the calyx ascompared to ‘Camarosa’ which has a medium band. The predominant fruitshape of ‘BG-269’ is rounded to conical as compared to ‘Camarosa’ whichtends to be more cylindrical to wedge-shaped. The fruit of ‘BG-269’ istypically broader than long while the fruit of ‘Camarosa’ is much longerthan broad. The inflorescence of ‘BG-269’ is longer and much morevisible above the plant canopy than the inflorescence of ‘Camarosa’throughout much of the season. See Table 5 for inflorescencecharacteristics.

For identification, a series of molecular markers have been determinedfor this new variety.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following is a detailed description of ‘BG-269’, including thevariety's morphological, and pest and disease reaction characteristics.This detailed description is based on observations taken during the 1999growing season in Oxnard, Calif. These measurements and ratings weremade from plants dug from a high-elevation nursery located in SiskiyouCounty, Calif. in October 1998 and planted 5 days later in Oxnard,Calif. The approximate age of the observed plant is 26 weeks for fruitevaluation; 28 weeks for flower evaluation; 29 weeks for foliageevaluation; and 34 weeks for inflorescence evaluation. Yieldobservations were taken from the 1998-1999 growing season. Thecharacteristics of the new variety may vary in detail, depending uponvariations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature,humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type and locationwithout any change in the genotype. ‘BG-269’ has not been observed underall possible environmental conditions. Color terminology follows theMunsell Book of Colors, Munsell Color, Baltimore, Md. (1976).

Fruit Characteristics

‘BG-269’ fruit, fruit production and runner production (fruiting field)characteristics as compared to those of ‘Camarosa’.

TABLE 1 1998-1999 market fruit yield, fruit size and runner productioncharacteristics from plants harvested from January through June 1, 1998and 1999 of ‘BG-269’ dug from a high elevation nursery (Macdoel,California) during the first week of October and planted 4 to 5 dayslater and compared with ‘Camarosa’ in Oxnard, California 1998-1999 19981999 1998-1999 Average Total Total Average Fruit 1998 Fresh* Fresh*Fresh* Size Average Yield Yield Yield Fresh Runners/ Cultivar GM/PLGM/PL GM/PL GRM PL ‘BG-269’ 790 1308 1049 30.4 0.7 ‘Camarosa’ 661 876768 24.9 3.1 *Fresh fruit harvested from January through June 1

TABLE 2 Comparison of primary fruit characteristics of ‘BG-269’ and‘Camarosa’ from Oxnard, California, March 31, 1999 Character ‘BG-269’‘Camarosa’ Munsell Color 7.5 R 2/8 to 7.5 R 3/8 5 R 3/8 to 5 R 3/10Fruit Length mean (cm) 5.3 5.7 range 4.3-5.7 5.3-6.3 Fruit Width mean(cm)* 5.6 4.6 range 4.7-6.7 3.9-5.1 Fruit Length/Width Ratio 0.95 1.26Calyx Diameter mean (cm) 6.5 5.7 range 5.2-7.5 4.5-7.0 *Width ismeasured across the widest part of the berry, typically across theshoulders

TABLE 3 Comparison of 1997-1999 fruit quality characteristics of‘BG-269’ and ‘Camarosa’ from Oxnard, California* Character ‘BG-269’‘Camarosa’ Skin Firmess 7.7 8.7 Fruit Appearance 7.5 7.1 Fruit Gloss 7.77.5 *Results are averaged from 3 years of replicated holding testsperformed from January through May 1997-1999. Ratings are based on ascale from 1-10; the higher the rating, the stronger the skin and moreattractive and glossy the berry.

The fruit is very large in size and characteristically rounded toconical in shape. Berries are typically wider at the shoulders than longas described by the length/width ratio. Primary berries typicallydevelop a moderate amount of longitudinal creases and irregular shapes.The secondary and tertiary berries are typically much more uniformlyrounded to conical in shape lacking longitudinal creases. The averagesoluble solid content of the fruit measured in percent Brix is 9.2, withpercent Brix being an indirect measurement of the sugar content infruit. The fruit surface is deep red in coloration with a medium redcolored flesh. The fruit coloration is moderately even to even aroundthe surface of the berry. See Table 2 for fruit comparisoncharacteristics. The fruit surface is moderately uneven with the seedsheld even with the surface. The seed coloration varies from a moderatelyyellow color to a deep red with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.The seeds are spaced evenly over the surface of the berry with either avery narrow band or no band without achenes under the calyx.Occasionally, the primary berries will develop a seedy tip while thesecondary and tertiary berries typically will not. The flesh ismoderately firm, glossy and juicy, with good texture and good flavor.See Table 3 for fruit quality characteristics. The calyx is large insize, typically larger than the fruit diameter, with overlapping sepals.The pose of the calyx is almost never reflexed, (typically held flat tothe berry). The calyx attaches firmly to the fruit below the surface.Fruit skin is considered only slightly susceptible to cracking due torain.

Plant Characteristics

The plant of ‘BG-269’ is vigorous, large in size with multiple crownsproducing very few runners when given the proper chilling levels priorto being dug, and artifically, prior to being planted. Excessivechilling will result in an over-vigorous, dense plant with a reductionin total fruit yield and increased runner production. The plant is flatglobose to globose in character growing erect. The plant canopy becomesmedium dense to dense when given proper chilling and cold storage. Theaverage plant height for ‘BG-269’ is 9.9 cm, with a range of 7-11 cm,and the average plant spread is 23.1 cm, with a range of 20-25 cm.

Foliage Characteristics

‘BG-269’ foliage characteristics as compared to those of ‘Camarosa’.

TABLE 4 Comparison of foliage characteristics of ‘BG-269’ and ‘Camarosa’from Oxnard, California, April 19, 1999 Character ‘BG-269’ ‘Camarosa’Munsell Color 7.5 GY 3/4 to 7.5 GY 3/6 5 GY 3/4 to 5 GY 3/6 (uppersurface) Terminal Leaflet Length mean (cm) 7.9 7.0 range 5.5-9.2 6.1-8.8Terminal Leaflet Width mean (cm) 6.7 6.6 range 5.3-7.8 6.0-7.7 TerminalLeaflet 1.19 1.06 ratio (L/W) Petiole Length mean (cm) 16.1 12.7 range13-19 7-15 Petiole Width mean (mm) 3.7 2.8 range 2.7-4.3 2.1-3.2Petiolule Length mean (mm) 8.3 5.8 range 4-19 5-7 Serrations/Leaf mean18 17.5 range 16-22 15-21 Serration Depth mean (mm) 5.4 5.0 range4.5-6.6 4.6-5.9

The foliage of ‘BG-269’ typically has three leaflets per leaf, is mediumto large in size, glossy, medium green in color with medium to strongblistering. The terminal leaflet is much longer than wide as describedby the length/width ratio, rounded to ovate in shape with an acute base.See Table 4 for foliage comparison characteristics. The leaf crosssection of an immature terminal leaflet tends to be slightly concavewhile a fully mature leaflet tends to be flat to slightly convex.Leaflets have a moderate number of medium sized serrations. Theseserrations are rounded in shape, typically occur singly, very seldom indoubles. Petioles are considered long and moderately thick in diameterwith bract leaflets commonly occurring singly or in pairs on about 70%to 80% of the petioles. Pubescence on the petioles is sparse tomoderate, growing irregularly perpendicular to the petiole.

Flowers and Inflorescence

‘BG-269’ inflorescence and flower characteristics as compared to thoseof ‘Camarosa’.

TABLE 5 Comparison of inflorescence characteristics of ‘BG-269’ and‘Camarosa’ from Oxnard, California, May 29, 1999 Character ‘BG-269’‘Camarosa’ Inflorescence Length mean (cm) 31.8 28.7 range 29-36 24-33Primary Peduncle Length mean (cm) 17.4 15.2 range 14-22 11-22 PrimaryPeduncle Width mean (mm) 3.6 3.1 range 3.0-4.4 2.7-3.8 Primary PedicelLength mean (cm) 9.5 7.9 range 6.5-12.2 6.5-10.5 Primary Pedicel Widthmean (mm) 2.1 1.7 range 1.6-2.5 1.3-2.0

TABLE 6 Comparison of primary flower characteristics of ‘BG-269’ and‘Camarosa’ from Oxnard, California, April 15, 1999 Character ‘BG-269’‘Camarosa’ Primary Calyx Diameter mean (mm) 44.6 44.9 range 40-50 37-53Primary Petal Length mean (mm) 15.3 12.8 range 14-16 11-14 Primary PetalWidth mean (mm) 15.9 12.3 range 15-17 11-14 Primary Petal 0.96 1.03Ratio (L/W) Petals/Primary Flower mean 7.8 6.4 range 7-9 5-7 PrimarySepal Length mean (mm) 18.2 18.3 range 15-23 15-22 Primary Sepal Widthmean (mm) 8.3 8.3 range 7-10 6-10 Primary Sepal 2.2 2.2 Ratio (L/W)Sepals/Primary Flower mean 15.0 12.7 range 12-18 10-15

The inflorescence of ‘BG-269’ is long, extending the flowers and fruitbeyond the foliage during much of the season. The average number ofpeduncles per ‘BG-269’ plant is 4.1, with a range of 1-6 per plant, andthe average number of pedicels per ‘BG-269’ plant is 13.2, with a rangeof 9-14 per plant. The primary peduncle is typically non-existent duringthe early portion of the season then lengthens as the fruiting seasonprogresses. The primary peduncle is considered medium in length andthickness late in the season. The pedicel holding the primary berry isconsidered long and typically originates singly from the apex of theprimary peduncle or seldom from one of the secondary peduncles.Secondary and tertiary berries are borne on pedicles arising fromsecondary peduncle apex. The fruiting truss is typically prostrate atfirst picking. The average length of the fruiting truss is 31.8 cm, witha range of 29-36 cm. See Table 5 for inflorescence comparisoncharacteristics. Flowers are large with overlapping petals averaging 7to 8 large obovate petals per primary flower. The petals are greater inwidth than length as described by the length/width ratio and white incolor. The corolla is typically smaller in relative comparison to thecalyx. The average calyx diameter of ‘BG-269’ is 54.4 mm, with a rangeof 50-61 mm, and the average corolla diameter is 38.4 mm, with a rangeof 36-41 mm. See Table 6 for flower comparison characteristics. Theaverage number of stamens per flower of ‘BG-269’ is 35.8, with a rangeof 30-44 per flower, and the average number of pistils per flower of‘BG-269’ is 384, with a range of 330-454 per flower. Pollen is producedwhen the flower becomes fully open and the anthers mature. Anthocyanincoloration is generally not present on the plant. Typically, a medium tosmall bract leaf is borne on a petiole which originates at the primarypeduncle apex alongside the base of one of the secondary peduncles.Bract leaves occur on nearly every inflorescence. The sepals areelliptical and mostly broad in shape.

Pest Reactions

This new variety may not be resistant to any of the known insects,diseases or viruses common to California. It is known to be moderatelysusceptible to the two-spotted spider mite, aphid and flower thrips. Itis also known to be moderately susceptible to grey fruit mold, powderymildew and highly susceptible to angular leafspot. The susceptibility ofthe new variety to any of the virus complexes of California has not beendetermined.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant designatedas ‘BG-269’, as herein described and illustrated by the characteristicsset forth above.